Man Facing Charges For Killing Hawk

A New Mexico man is facing possible federal charges after he admitted shooting a trained hawk. 18-year-old William Hefley was arrested on an extreme cruelty to animals charge for shooting and killing a five-year-old Harris Hawk valued at $3,000.

Luna County Sheriff's investigator Israel Saenz said Hefley told deputies he shot the bird while out to kill a family dog that was old.

The owner of the hawk holds a registered Falconry Permit and apparently raised the hawk from a young age after being given permission to rescue it in Texas.

Investigators said the case is being turned over to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.